A group of Russian Orthodox priests will undergo military training at a Defense Ministry university in Moscow, the Russian army's representative said Friday.

      The clergymen are expected to undergo a month-long course in military history, war tactics and military regulations of the Russian Armed Forces, as well as how to provide psychological and emotional support to troops, according to a statement by the Central Military District.

      The training is part of a project to restore full-scale military priesthood in Russia, which existed from the 18th century to the start of the Soviet era. The plan was announced in 2009 by then-Russian president, Dmitry Medvedev.

      The number of chaplains in the Russian Armed Forces has almost tripled in the past two years and currently stands at more than 80.